Tesla's latest model is coming to NZ

Electric car manufacturer Tesla’s newest car, the Model 3, will be sold in New Zealand, founder Elon Musk says.

The serial entrepreneur tweeted the news hours ahead of an event where he will personally unveil the Model 3 in Los Angeles.

Xero chief executive and local Tesla fan Rod Drury immediately asked about Tesla's more expensive Model X. Mr Musk replied the X and S will also be available for Kiwis.

"I will have your babies," Mr Drury responded.

NBR phoned Mr Drury shortly after this exchange to ask if he was indeed buying a Model X.

"Shivers* yes," he replied. "I'm hitting refresh on their website as I type."

He characterised Tesla's expansion into New Zealand as "Freaking* cool." 

The New Zealand order page was not yet live but should be later today as Tesla officially refreshes its lineup.

Mr Drury is ordering a Tesla Model X 90D, which is scheduled to ship later this year. 

Tesla promises the all-wheel drive Model X's 90 kWh battery will provide 470 kilometers of range and accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.4 seconds.Its list pricing is $US80,000 to $132,000 depending on specs.

Other countries the new Tesla models will be rolled out to include India, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore and Ireland.

The X and S models have high price tags ($US80,000+) but the Model 3 will command a more affordable $US35,000, which could transform Tesla into a mainstream car maker.

Drive Electric chairman Mark Gilbert says this is “great news” because there’s not many EV models in New Zealand and will give more exposure to alternative fuel cars.

“The trump card for any country is to get Tesla,” he says.

The former BMW Group managing director says there are between 25-30 Tesla cars in New Zealand, most being the S models.

Kiwis wanting to get their hands on a Tesla have had to buy them overseas, primarily from Australia, and then ship them over.

Mr Musk’s announcement will also provide peace of mind to Kiwi Tesla owners because it means they will get local service centres, Mr Gilbert says.

Tesla is targeting for the Model 3 to begin production in late-2017, with deliveries starting in the US and moving east. Mr Gilbert says, given Tesla’s focus on right-hand drive markets, New Zealand probably won’t get them until 2018 or later.

The Tesla Model 3 event will begin today at 3:30pm NZT (8:30pm Pacific time).

Opening deposits for the Model 3 will coincide with the event. Reservation costs for New Zealand haven't been announced but Australia's are $A1500. Existing Tesla customers will get priority.

Separately, Tesla has inked a partnership with Vector around its batteries for solar powered homes.

* Some language has been modified

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